First ride review of the new FOCUS Jam² 6.9 and SAM² 6.9 2023 with Bosch Smart System motor – a love that lasts?

FOCUS sent two exciting eMTBs to our test factory: the trail-oriented JAM² 6.9, and the SAM² 6.9 trimmed for downhill performance. Find out how the latest eMTBs from FOCUS with Bosch Smart System motor and 750 Wh battery perform in our test, which bike is the right one for you and if you will find a love that lasts.

We were completely gobsmacked when we received the news that instead of concentrating on the development of bikes, FOCUS are now moving their crosshairs to matchmaking. Under the motto “a love that lasts”, the Stuttgart-based bike company are presenting two new bikes with Bosch Smart System motors and trying to hook them up with the love-hungry bike community. For one, there is the bachelor JAM², the all-rounder in the FOCUS eMTB love portfolio. He loves long walks on the beach as well as exciting touring and trail rides. The JAM² also comes with a new alloy frame and a redesigned F.O.L.D rear triangle kinematics system that generates 150 mm travel at the rear while the front provides 160 mm travel. In its best configuration, the JAM² 6.9 weighs 26 kg in size L and retails at € 7,399. Bachelor number 2 is the downhill-oriented SAM². If you opt for the SAM², you are promised a partner for adrenaline-packed dates on demanding downhill trails. In order to keep this promise, FOCUS have also given it a new alloy frame with revised suspension kinematics including a steel coil shock. To ensure that sparks fly right from the first moment, it has 180 mm travel at the front, 170 mm travel at the rear, and a configuration adapted for rough descents. The top model SAM² 6.9 weighs 27.1 kg in size L and the price for its company is € 7,899. We took both bikes on a double date to find out which one gave us butterflies and where the sparks didn’t fly. Hold on, are sparks even a good thing? Anyway…

Love at second sight – The new FOCUS JAM² 6.9 and SAM² 6.9 2023 in detail

One reason why things didn’t click straight away was that the JAM² and SAM² look so much alike, which caused a bit of confusion. Both bikes use a similar alloy frame with a two-tone paint job, and the new F.O.L.D rear kinematics are also used on each. Instead of a single-pivot suspension, FOCUS now opt for a four-bar variant. Although the name four-bar suggests the opposite, FOCUS were able to save parts with this rear triangle variant and even claim to have reduced the weight. The motor system is identical on both bikes. The FOCUS SAM² and JAM² 6 series use the Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System motor (the FOCUS JAM² 7 series with Shimano EP8 motor remains part of their portfolio). Besides the looks, the integration of the motor system was the second reason why sparks didn’t fly right away. The motor is rotated upwards in the frame so that the long 750 Wh battery can fit low in front of the motor. Although this is intended to ensure that the centre of gravity is as low as possible, it also means that the motor area is very bulky and has many thick welds. But as is so often the case, it is the inner values that really count. The long Bosch Intube battery with 750 Wh capacity is located in the down tube and if you turn the bike upside down or lay it on its side, the battery can be pulled out downwards. The skid plate can be easily folded up for this purpose without additional tools, being held securely in place by a tab. The battery is also removable without tools, but it comes with a lock to protect it from thieves. There is a charging port on the seat tube so that the battery can also be charged while in the frame. The battery rubber cover seems a bit flimsy, but works well. The motor is operated via a Bosch LED remote on the handlebar and the Bosch Kiox 300 display positioned behind the handlebar. The display and remote cables, as well as all other cables, are routed through FOCUS’ own C.I.S. stem into the frame.

A look at the bikes’ many everyday and touring features proves that the two bachelors are not just out for a (trail) quickie, but both have tires firmly planted on the ground. For example, there’s the USB-C charging port on the top tube, which can be used to charge accessories such as lights, smartphones or a sat nav while riding, and like two true gentlemen, both bikes offer to carry their other half’s bag. For this purpose, the frame has two attachment points on the down tube, which come with an accessory bag already attached as standard. In addition, both bikes have trailer approval and the option to mount a kickstand via an adapter. If you want to add some variety to the relationship, you have the option of adapting the steering angle by 1° thanks to the adjustable headset cups. The flat steering angle is supposed to provide smoother running. The steep setting, on the other hand, is supposed to ensure a more agile steering response and that the question: “Would we rather go out for Italian or Asian food tonight?” can be answered with a spontaneous turning manoeuvre.

What do the FOCUS JAM² 6.9 and SAM² 6.9 add to the relationship – The configuration options in detail

JAM² 6.9 and SAM² 6.9 are the top models in the alloy frame 6 series from FOCUS. They are designed to offer a performance-oriented configuration package at an affordable price. For the most part, the maths works out for both of these heartbreakers. For € 7,399, the JAM² 6.9 is an eMTB with a high-quality FOX FLOAT 36 Factory suspension fork with a finely adjustable GRIP2 damper cartridge, solid DT Swiss H1900 alloy wheels, a reliable SRAM DB8 four-piston brake and crisp Shimano XT drivetrain paired with a Shimano SLX cassette. The JAM² suffers a minor flaw with the FOX FLOAT X shock from the Performance series, which has a lockout lever but no compression control. Bikers in search of a partner, who like to micromanage their relationship, will probably lack adjustment options for the perfect setup here.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	390 mm	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm
Top tube	578 mm	608 mm	637 mm	672 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	120 mm	140 mm
Head angle	64.5°/65.5°	64.5°/65.5°	64.5°/65.5°	64.5°/65.5°
Seat angle	76.5°	76.5°	76.5°	76.5°
Chain stays	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
BB Drop	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm
Wheelbase	1200 mm	1230 mm	1263 mm	1302 mm
Reach	430 mm	460 mm	485 mm	515 mm
Stack	616 mm	616 mm	634 mm	652 mm

The FOCUS SAM² similarly manages to charm us with its equipment package. For € 7,899 you get a set of components designed for demanding descents with a capable FOX FLOAT 38 Factory fork and GRIP2 damper cartridge. The solid Mavic E-Deemax aluminium wheels as well as the Shimano XT drivetrain and four-piston brakes also give no reason for complaint. Like all SAM² models, the SAM² 6.9 comes with a steel coil shock. In the top configuration, FOX contributes the DHX coil for a sensitive response. However, it also lacks a compression adjuster, so bikers who want more counter-pressure from the suspension might have to opt for a stiffer coil. The SAM² rolls on chunky Schwalbe Magic Mary tires front and rear, but only the rear tire features the sturdy Super Gravity casing. Heavier riders, and those with an aggressive riding style who really want to go through thick and thin with the SAM², should upgrade the front tire with the slightly thinner Super Trail casing to a more robust model.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	390 mm	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm
Top tube	578 mm	608 mm	637 mm	671 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	120 mm	140 mm
Head angle	63.5°/64.5°	63.5°/64.5°	63.5°/64.5°	63.5°/64.5°
Seat angle	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°
Chainstays	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
BB Drop	20 mm	20 mm	20 mm	20 mm
Wheelbase	1229 mm	1259 mm	1293 mm	1332 mm
Reach	440 mm	470 mm	495 mm	525 mm
Stack	623 mm	623 mm	641 mm	659 mm

Further configuration options of the FOCUS JAM² and SAM² 2023 in detail

The Focus JAM² 6 series is available in three different configurations. The JAM² 6.7 for € 5,499 is the entry-level model. In comparison to the higher-priced options, it not only comes with a more cost-effective equipment, such as the DVO Diamond E3 suspension fork but also with the smaller Bosch 625 Wh battery. The mid-range version, the JAM² 6.8, comes with the larger 750 Wh battery, FOX suspension components from the entry-level range, and retails for € 6,499. In addition to the 6 series, FOCUS have also announced an 8 series with a carbon frame to add to the top end of their portfolio. We will keep you updated on this in April.

The SAM² will only be released in the 6 series alloy frame. However, contrary to the three models of the JAM² series, the SAM² series is available in four equipment variants. The SAM² 6.7 for € 5,499 is the entry-level model here. Its frame comprises an SR Suntour Durolux 38 suspension fork and RockShox Deluxe Select steel shock, as well as a slightly smaller 625 Wh battery. For € 7,000 you get the SAM² 6.8 with a larger 750 Wh battery and a mix of FOX 38 Rhythm suspension fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Select steel coil shock. Our test bike, the SAM² 6.9 for € 7,899, is actually the best-equipped variant in the portfolio, but FOCUS has saved one candidate above it for a more exclusive dating club. The FOCUS SAM² 6.0 Limited Edition has the same configuration as the SAM² 6.9, but instead of the standard Bosch motor, it uses the Performance Line CX-Race Limited Edition. This adds € 800 to the price, making the strictly limited SAM² 6.0 retail for a whopping € 8,699.

On a double date with JAM² and SAM² – The FOCUS bikes in the test

Whether you choose the JAM² or the SAM², you will get a good tourer either way. On the SAM², the riding position is a bit more stretched out than on the JAM², but both bikes have a high front and steep seat angles, so you sit on the bikes in a relatively relaxed, upright and balanced cruising position. The suspension in both models cleanly filters out bumps on the trail, ensuring pleasant ride comfort. In combination with the many touring features, nothing will stand in the way of romantic beach rides. Good climbing characteristics are ensured by the good integration in the bike together with the high-traction suspension and the thrust from the powerful Bosch motor. Again, it’s hard to decide which of the two suits you better.

While both SAM² and JAM² show their best side on tours and uphill, the true character of both bikes only really shows downhill. One thing first: when it came to the skid plate during our test, FOCUS showed that the SAM² and the JAM² are serious about a lasting relationship. On the heavily blocked trails around Santa Coloma de Farners, Spain, we repeatedly encountered motor strikes. In response, FOCUS promised to work on themselves and our relationship. Still whilst testing, FOCUS supplied a new skid plate made of more shock-resistant plastic and with better ground clearance, which significantly mitigated the problem. While the JAM² turned out to be more of a fun partner for good times, the SAM² excelled through both good and bad times. On easy flow trails, both bikes guarantee riding fun, but struggle a bit with their heavy weight and sluggish handling. On very demanding and steep descents, the JAM² leaves its comfort zone, while the SAM² is just starting to blossom here. To find out how both bikes differ in detail and how they compare against 28 other bikes, we recommend keeping your eyes on our homepage. Soon we will publish the big E-MOUNTAINBIKE comparison test 2023 with 30 of the most exciting eMTBs.

Conclusion on the new FOCUS JAM² 6.9 and SAM² 6.9 2023

It wasn’t love at first sight, but our first meeting went well enough with both the FOCUS JAM² 6.9 and the SAM² 6.9 to go on a second date. The new design around the motor integration of the Bosch Smart System is not particularly attractive, but the inner values, as well as the specs, fit the bill. In terms of riding performance, the SAM² shows more potential for lasting love than the JAM². But who’s got what it takes to be the perfect match will be revealed in our big 2023 E-MOUNTAINBIKE comparison test.

Fore more information visit focus-bikes.com

---

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: Mike Hunger, Peter Walker